Report: Trump eyes private spy network to fight 'deep state'

'It is a direct-action arm, totally off the books'

Published: 12/05/2017 at 1:45 PM

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) — The Trump administration is reportedly weighing proposals for a global, private spy network that would evade U.S. intelligence agencies and report directly to the White House and CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

The plans have been developed by Blackwater founder Erik Prince and CIA veteran John R. Maguire, with help from Oliver North, who played a prominent role in the Iran Contra scandal, The Intercept reported late Monday.

Several current and former U.S. intelligence officials and others familiar with the proposals said it’s been pitched to the White House as a way to combat “deep state” enemies who want to undermine President Trump.